WNY Volunteers to Assist In Tropical Storm Isaac Preparations

Posted August 23, 2012, Buffalo, NY

American Red Cross volunteers Dominic DiGirolamo of Belmont, Larry Erb of Williamsvile and Marianne Evans of Ransomville will be flying to Tampa, Florida to assist in the preparations for Tropical Storm Isaac, and will also be a part of any relief efforts following the storm’s potential landfall there early next week. DiGirolamo will be providing Disaster Mental Health services, Erb is leaving this evening to serve as a Health Services volunteer, and Evans will be working in Mass Care/Shelter Operations.

Tropical Storm Isaac is threatening parts of the Caribbean, including Haiti, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and could affect southern Florida early next week. The Red Cross is currently identifying available shelters, assembling disaster teams, and coordinating with government and community partners. The Red Cross prepares year-round for storms like Isaac. More than 50 trailers with cots, blankets and comfort kits to support hundreds of people each are pre-positioned along the Gulf and East coasts in preparation for hurricane season, and kitchen trailers are also prepositioned with items such as beverage containers, food carriers and ice chests.

People who may be in the path of the storm can download the new, free Red Cross Hurricane App, which puts real-time information on hurricane safety at user’s fingertips. The app features information regarding Red Cross shelters and a toolkit including a flashlight, strobe light and alarm. The one-touch “I’m Safe” button allows people to use social media outlets to let family and friends know they are okay. People across the country planning to travel to areas predicted to be affected by the storm can use the app to receive weather alerts. The Hurricane app can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for “American Red Cross”.

Anyone wishing to help is asked to consider making a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-REDCROSS or texting the word 90999 to make a $10 donation (charges will appear on your cell phone bill). Contributions may also be sent to your local Red Cross chapter at 786 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209.